A new Millennium…
The Pines party grows into a major event/ fundraiser in the community. In 2004 owner John Whyte sells the commercial district to Pines resident Eric Von Kuersteiner. He begins sweeping changes as he brings a new generation to the Pines. In 2006 he demolishes the existing Pavilion, and builds his own vision of it. His marketing targets the newer generation, but in the process older community members are excluded which causes controversy.
Eric Von Kuersteiner
goes on to create the Ascension Party and BayDance. Ascension, similar to the GMHC Morning Party is a day event on the beach. It is a huge success, and grows into it’s own.
2006 and one Pavilion replaces another…
A new Pavilion
Middle Tea is created and another era of dance begins again...
In 2004 former owner John Whyte passes. In 2007 Whyte Hall Community center is completed and named after him.
(L to R) Matt Blesso, Seth Weissman, Andrew Kirtzman.
The reign continues until someone in 2010 makes Von Kuersteiner an offer he could not refuse. Investors Andrew Kirtzman, 48, a journalist turned hotelier; Matt Blesso, 36, a real estate investor , and Seth Weissman, 26, an investment banker throw their collective hats in the ring with an offer of 17 million. Von Kuersteiner takes the money and runs as a new chapter begins…
The transition begins with a modification on the Pavilion, and other properties, but is sidetracked with a devastating fire in 2011 burning the La Fountaine building and the Pavilion down. They choose to wait a year to rebuild hiring noted architectural firm HWKN with Matthias Hollwich and Marc Kushner.
Architect Matthias Hollwich of HWKN.
The process begins as the community waits in anticipation.
2013. A new Pavilion
is created, and as always there are many opinions…
2014. More changes…
2015
The properties go up for auction, and this brings out the old and new. In the end the winners are PJ McAteer and partner Ian Reisner. A match that immediately gets off to a controversial start as Ian Reisner becomes embroiled in a political scandal…
